Pre-Reading Activity/Question:


Discuss the positive and negative aspects of having an elected official with a serious disease and/or handicap.
  • Governor Patterson as an example.

Vocabulary:

  • hordes pg.36
  • disgruntled pg. 37
  • charter pg. 38
  • petition pg.41
  • dysfunction pg. 47


Reading Lesson Topics:


  • Summary through the creation of a free verse poem. This activity can be completed in groups or independently. Students can be assigned specific events to reflect on in their poem.
  • Suggested model for minilesson- Create a free verse poem about how Hope feels about Addie.
  • Creating a Free Verse Poem.docx
  • Please note the attached task contains a list of characteristics of a free verse poem. Please modify the task to meet your individual needs.

Writing Activities:

Read the following quote from Brenda Babcock, " Seems we've come to town at an interesting time, Hope." Do you agree or disagree that it is an interesting time? Use evidence from the text to support your opinion.

How would you describe Hope's relationship with her mother? Support your answer using specific examples from the text.

  • Why do the citizens of Mulhoney doubt that G.T. will make a good mayor?
  • Why does G.T. believe he is qualified to run for mayor of Mulhoney?
  • On page 43, Hope recalls many of the pieces of advice her mother has given her over the years. Based on this advice, what impact has her mother had on her life?
  • On page 44, Hope recalls a free verse poem she wrote about her mom. Explain how the metaphor connects to Hope’s life. What does the well represent? What does the bucket represent?
  • G.T. tells Hope that she is a good waitress because she knows how to connect to people. She says this is the best compliment a boss could give her. Why does she think this?